Symbols of the City Audio Tour: Two Thousand Years of London

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

The City of London packs nearly 2,000 years of history into a single square mile, and most of it is hiding in plain sight. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll follow the area's story through its overlooked details. You'll also discover how the City's unique powers of self-governance, its livery companies, and its coffeehouses shaped the modern world.

You'll head through Postman's Park, where a remarkable memorial honours ordinary Londoners who died saving others, then wind through the Goldsmiths' Garden – a bombsite turned green space – where two neighbouring livery halls share a centuries-old grudge dating back to World War II incendiary bombs.

You'll stand in Guildhall Yard, where a medieval Great Hall, a Roman amphitheatre, and William the Conqueror's original city charter occupy the same site. You'll then follow the medieval market street of Cheapside, whose side streets – Bread Street, Milk Street, Friday Street – still bear the names of what was once sold there.

What's Included

Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Smartphone and headphones

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
30 Newgate St

This tour starts at in front of the Café Nero at 30 Newgate Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point
Leadenhall Market

The tour ends in the Leadenhall Market.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
  • Guildhall (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Guildhall, the historic ceremonial and administrative centre of the City of London, renowned for its magnificent Great Hall and centuries of civic history. Please note that entry to the building is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • Bank of England (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Bank of England, the United Kingdom’s central bank, founded in 1694 and known for its pivotal role in the nation’s financial history. Please note that entry to the building and museum is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • Leadenhall Market (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by Leadenhall Market, a beautifully restored Victorian market known for its ornate architecture, boutique shops, and appearance in several films. Please note that entry to the market or any purchases made inside are not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths' Garden, a peaceful public garden maintained by the historic Goldsmiths’ Company, offering a tranquil green space in the heart of the City of London. Any costs related to visiting the garden or surrounding area are not covered in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • St Mary Aldermanbury Garden (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the St Mary Aldermanbury Garden, a peaceful garden occupying the former site of St Mary Aldermanbury Church, with landscaped grounds that commemorate the church’s rich history. Any costs related to visiting the garden or surrounding area are not covered in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • St. Lawrence Jewry (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the St Lawrence Jewry, the official church of the City of London Corporation, renowned for its elegant Wren-designed architecture and centuries of civic history. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • St. Mary Le Bow Church (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the St Mary-le-Bow Church, one of Sir Christopher Wren’s finest churches, famous for its distinctive steeple and the legendary Bow Bells associated with true Cockneys. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Architecture Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Seasonal

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}